By Scout Nelson
North Dakota leaders set a goal to secure up to $1 billion for rural health transformation across the state. Senator John Hoeven announces the plan with Governor Kelly Armstrong and state health officials to improve healthcare access in rural communities.
The state already receives $200 million in first-year funding through the Rural Health Transformation Program. This amount is $100 million above the program’s base level. The funding is awarded after a competitive application process that recognizes the strength of North Dakota’s plan.
If the state meets required milestones and uses the funds on time, this level of support will continue over five years. This can bring the total funding to $1 billion. The funding will help improve telehealth services, modernize hospitals, and expand care options across rural communities.
A key strength of North Dakota’s plan is its strong broadband network. The statewide fiber optic system managed by Dakota Carrier Network supports fast internet access in nearly all communities. North Dakota ranks among the top states for fiber-to-the-home service and works toward full statewide coverage. This network supports telehealth, which allows patients to receive care from home or nearby clinics.
The plan also focuses on building new Critical Access Hospitals in communities such as Rugby, Grafton, Hazen, and Cando. These modern hospitals provide quality care closer to home. They also help recruit and keep skilled healthcare workers.
“North Dakota put forward an exemplary application for the Rural Health Transformation Program, which secured competitive funding that nearly doubled the amount of funding we were set to receive under the program baseline to $200 million this year. We are positioned to sustain that funding level in future years, which is why we’re setting the goal to bring the total funding under this initiative to $1 billion,” said Hoeven. “This was made possible by our work to build the statewide fiber optic network, which really makes telehealth possible anywhere in the state, as well as our efforts to build new Critical Access Hospitals. The ultimate goal here is to establish a comprehensive continuum of care through rural North Dakota, providing people with cost-effective health care that best meets their individual needs.”
The plan helps connect hospitals, nursing homes, and home care services into one strong care network. It aims to improve access, reduce travel, and give better care options for rural families.
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Categories: North Dakota, Government & Policy